APRIL 23/2008

CONDEMN ILLEGAL DETENTION OF POPULAR SINGER

The EPRDF regime has illegally detained popular singer Tedros Kassahun (a.k.a Teddy Afro) and has started railroading him. Officially Tedros is accused of an alleged fatal  hit and run (he was detained for this in November 2006 and released on bail) but it is an ascertained fact that the regime is engaged in a political vendetta to punish the singer for one of his famous songs/Yasteseryal/ that criticizes the ruling group.

Tedros is presently detained in the Kaliti prison and his appearance in court has led to protest demonstrations by many Addis Ababa residents who proclaim his innocence. The case has been postponed till next Tuesday. The practice of postponing cases indefinitely and keeping the accused in jail for long periods is one of the common practices of the EPRDF that controls the judiciary and is using the police, the courts and the General prosecutor's office as its repressive tools. That Tedros is re arrested for a case that first appeared 18 months ago and is for all indications based on fabricated evidence clearly indicates that the EPRDF is once again arrogantly trampling on justice and the rule of law.

SOCEPP calls for the immediate release of Tedros Kassahun.

SOCEPP